u/Full-Afternoon474

I hired a law firm for an immigration visa case, because my friend suggested it. I never thought to read reviews - don't blame me, I got a little lost in the whole process, and I kinda blindly believed my friend. So, I signed the contract, paid them, submitted all requested documents, and was assured my case would be filed before my status expired.

Instead, my I-94 expiration was overlooked, nothing was filed in time, and I fell out of status. They kept convincing me to file another case, and I would need to pay "only $2000 more", as "it would definitely work in my case", and they'd "come up with some proof for me". WTF does that even mean? I terminated the representation and requested my refund, but got nothing back.

As I investigated further, their Google Maps page had mostly negative reviews, and I believe they deleted it (and never restored). On the other hand, other websites are now full of "very real" positive reviews of them.

I already filed a complaint with the Attorney Grievance Committee, but nothing meaningful came from it. They denied responsibility, blamed me for everything, and even claimed I only paid them half of the amount. I have emails, screenshots, and payment records documenting everything.

My questions:

• Is legal malpractice worth pursuing?
• Is there any realistic way to recover the money? Can I do it pro bono?
• Are there other agencies I can report this to besides the bar/grievance committee?
• Has anyone dealt with something similar?

I’m also considering making posts on TikTok/Instagram to warn others and possibly find more former clients, because I strongly suspect this has happened to other people too.

(Location: New York)

I hired Vano Haroutunian's (NYC) law firm for an immigration visa case, because my friend suggested it. I never thought to read reviews - don't blame me, I got a little lost in the whole process, and I kinda blindly believed my friend. So, I signed the contract, paid them, submitted all requested documents, and was assured my case would be filed before my status expired.

Instead, my I-94 expiration was overlooked, nothing was filed in time, and I fell out of status. They kept convincing me to file another case, and I would need to pay "only $2000 more", as "it would definitely work in my case", and they'd "come up with some proof for me". WTF does that even mean? I terminated the representation and requested my refund, but got nothing back.

As I investigated further, their Google Maps page had mostly negative reviews, and I believe they deleted it (and never restored). On the other hand, other websites are now full of "very real" positive reviews of them.

I already filed a complaint with the Attorney Grievance Committee, but nothing meaningful came from it. They denied responsibility, blamed me for everything, and even claimed I only paid them half of the amount. I have emails, screenshots, and payment records documenting everything.

My questions:

• Is legal malpractice worth pursuing?
• Is there any realistic way to recover the money? Can I do it pro bono?
• Are there other agencies I can report this to besides the bar/grievance committee?
• Has anyone dealt with something similar?

I’m also considering making posts on TikTok/Instagram to warn others and possibly find more former clients, because I strongly suspect this has happened to other people too.

(Location: New York)

I’m looking for advice regarding possible immigration attorney negligence/malpractice.

I hired Vano Haroutunian's (NYC) law firm for an employment-based case, because my friend suggested it. I never thought to read reviews - don't blame me, I got a little lost in the whole process, and I kinda blindly believed my friend. So, I signed the contract, paid them, submitted all requested documents, and was assured my case would be filed before my status expired.

Instead, my I-94 expiration was overlooked, nothing was filed in time, and I fell out of status. They kept convincing me to file another EB case, and I would need to pay "only $2000 more", as "it would definitely work in my case", and they'd "come up with some proof for me". WTF does that even mean? I terminated the representation and requested my refund, but got nothing back.

As I investigated further, their Google Maps page had mostly negative reviews, and I believe they deleted it (and never restored). On the other hand, other websites are now full of "very real" positive reviews of them.

I already filed a complaint with the Attorney Grievance Committee, but nothing meaningful came from it. They denied responsibility, blamed me for everything, and even claimed I only paid them half of the amount. I have emails, screenshots, and payment records documenting the timeline.

My questions:

• Is legal malpractice worth pursuing?
• Is there any realistic way to recover the money? Can I do it pro bono?
• Are there other agencies I should report this to besides the bar/grievance committee?
• Has anyone dealt with something similar?

I’m also considering making posts on TikTok/Instagram to warn others and possibly find more former clients, because I strongly suspect this has happened to other people too.

Is publicly sharing my experience a bad idea legally while considering possible action against them?

I’m looking for advice regarding possible immigration attorney negligence/malpractice.

I hired Vano Haroutunian's (NYC) law firm for an employment-based case, because my friend suggested it. I never thought to read reviews - don't blame me, I got a little lost in the whole process, and I kinda blindly believed my friend. So, I signed the contract, paid them, submitted all requested documents, and was assured my case would be filed before my status expired.

Instead, my I-94 expiration was overlooked, nothing was filed in time, and I fell out of status. They kept convincing me to file another EB case, and I would need to pay "only $2000 more", as "it would definitely work in my case", and they'd "come up with some proof for me". WTF does that even mean? I terminated the representation and requested my refund, but got nothing back.

As I investigated further, their Google Maps page had mostly negative reviews, and I believe they deleted it (and never restored). On the other hand, other websites are now full of "very real" positive reviews of them.

I already filed a complaint with the Attorney Grievance Committee, but nothing meaningful came from it. They denied responsibility, blamed me for everything, and even claimed I only paid them half of the amount. I have emails, screenshots, and payment records documenting the timeline.

My questions:

• Is legal malpractice worth pursuing?
• Is there any realistic way to recover the money? Can I do it pro bono?
• Are there other agencies I should report this to besides the bar/grievance committee?
• Has anyone dealt with something similar?

I’m also considering making posts on TikTok/Instagram to warn others and possibly find more former clients, because I strongly suspect this has happened to other people too.

Is publicly sharing my experience a bad idea legally while considering possible action against them?